WNY honors the nation's fallen heroes

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - While we enjoy the holiday weekend, it's also a time to remember those who gave their lives to defend our country's freedoms.

Western New Yorkers are honoring the nation's fallen heroes.

Memorial Day, a day of reflection. A day our nation comes together to honor the brave men and women who served our country, some of whom fight selflessly and pay the ultimate sacrifice.

Renee Derouche of the National Guard explained, "Memorial Day is very important to me as a veteran and somebody who has deployed and who has lost friends."

And on this day, we commemorate the veterans who made it back home safely and honor the memories of the fallen soldiers by placing the American flag on a wreath. The wreath symbolizing eternity and immortality.

"Everybody pretty much works together. You are there, you have a mission, you know what the end state is, and everybody, regardless of what level they're at, chips in and does what needs to be done," Renee exclaimed.

It is that cohesive teamwork that leads to a successful mission, and we enjoy the freedoms we have today because of this unified effort.

"The military is a family."

All the Veterans that served overseas felt a wide range of emotions, including fear and pride for our country, but when asked if they would do it again, they said yes and that they would do it again in a heartbeat.

"I'm going again in a year. We're going to Afghanistan. I'm looking forward to it. It's an important mission for my team. It's where this all began so we're looking forward to help do our bit to help Afganistan to make the country safer for Afgani's and ultimately Americans," Lieutenant Cornel John Burke expressed.